Well, Spring is nearly here. The flowers are beginning to peek through the soil in a few areas of Colorado Springs.  New beginnings is what Spring is all about for me. Time for clearing out the old and adding or just rearranging a few pieces of art and adding fresh flowers can give your home or office\studio a fresh new look. Ahhhh.

Spring is a great time to send someone a fun little greeting card to let them know you’ve been thinking of them. I love that feeling after I’ve taken the time to write a quick note to someone special. The anticipation of them opening it always brings a smile to my face as I drop it in the mail box. When was the last time you sat down with a cup of coffee or tea, pen and paper and wrote to someone dear to your heart? Below is an idea for a note to a friend.

Title of original painting for this card is, "How did you get in here?"

Here is an idea for a note to a friend who loves gardening or change it to read what fits your friend’s interests. Short notes are fine, it’s the thought that counts. I have a little book by William Strunk and E.B. White (who wrote Charlotte’s Web) the pages are yellowed from age, in  the book Mr. White ends one of his letters with an apology to the recipient  for the length of the letter; he said, “if I’d had more time, it would have been shorter.”

Sample letter:

“Dear Joan,

Thoughts of you have been popping into my head of late. With Spring just around the corner memories of your beautiful, abundant flower gardens warm my heart. Your love of nature along with your creative design talents make visiting your home a treat to all who stop by. I’m sure you are busy planning the annuals you will be adding to your flower beds this year. Hope to see you soon.

All my best to you and Evan for a fun-filled Spring.”

For even more information on writing notes please visit a dear customer of mine, Elizabeth Cottrel at Heartspoken where you can sign up for a free download of tips on how to write notes that encourage and inspire.

Just a quick post to share a new 5″ x 7″ Birthday card. It’s fun and full of happy hues from one of my more playful watercolors. Paper has an elegant leather texture, envelope is a high quality 60# white with square flap. Box of 6 cards/7 envelopes/$15 or sold separately $5 each. Happy birthday all you Capricorns!

5" x 7" Birthday Card

Inside Card Reads . . .

Kate Harper had another interesting article a while back. For those who think greeting cards are becoming a thing of the past, read this and check out the links. Her newsletter read:

I recently listened to an excellent interview on Kindle Chronicles podcast, with Neil Strandberg, manager of operations at Denver’s renowned Tattered Cover Book Store, about his experience of the e-book revolution.

He made an interesting statement:
In the most financially successful bookstores, the fastest growing inventory now is not a book, but sideline items (includes cards and gifts) . They are now the most profitable part of the business.

I was surprised to hear this.

Perhaps the gift industry is keeping the bookstore industry afloat?

Check out the audio interview online: http://www.thekindlechronicles.com/2011/02/11/tkc-134-neil-strandberg/

You can also subscribe the podcast on itunes.

~ Kate Harper Designs www.kateharperdesigns.com

"Been thinkin' of ya . . .How are ya? . . Whatcha been up to?" 5.5"x 4.25" Greeting Card, Blank Inside

"It's Here ... It's Here ... Spring is Finally Here!" 5"x7" Greeting Card, Blank Inside

Throughout the United States the Race for The Cure has begun. This weekend some dear friends are running/walking in support of the Susan G. Komen Foundation in Indianapolis, Indiana. My friends are survivors and dedicated to supporting this cause.  So many of our lives have been touched by someone suffering from and/or someone who has passed away from this dreadful disease. As difficult as these times are for so many, financially, my friends have worked diligently and surpassed their goals for this year. I am in awe of their dedications and enthusiasm. If you feel so inclined click here Susan G. Komen to donate. I did what seems like such a small part in the scheme of things but every bit helps.

My friends also asked if I had designed more Breast Cancer Awareness cards. I love their spunky spirits! and am honored to be asked. Here are two designed for 2011. 10% of the sales of these cards  go to the Susan G. Komen Foundation.

Breast Cancer Awareness, #291

Breast Cancer Awareness, 292

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